DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is an administrative position, involving responsibility for the operation of the Social Services Staff of the Department. The Director is responsible for recommending and implementing policies and procedures relating to casework in the Agency, and for the quality and standards of casework service in compliance with Agency policies. It is the Director's responsibility to provide programs pertaining to the prevention, discovery, and amelioration, of conditions conductive to child and adult abuse, as they relate to Social Services jurisdiction. The work is carried out under the administrative direction of the Commissioner, in compliance with established policies and objectives, with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Assists in the formulation of policies and procedures relating to casework in the Department;
Interprets Federal, State, and local directives, and advises the Commissioner;
Supervises the casework staff in rendering services to promote the welfare of the client population;
Formulates and initiates programs and services to provide child and adult protective services, adhering to officially promulgated codes and regulations;
Effects implementation of procedures directed towards integration of local Agency programs and their coordination with other available public and private resources, to insure maximum effectiveness, relative to costs and delivery of services to clients;
Develops and supervises programs which provide preventive instructional services, in areas of parental dysfunction;
Assesses Community needs, recommends, develops, and supervises alternative methods of foster care, for children and adults;
Plans, organizes and coordinates the various functions of the Social Services Units;
Assists the Commissioner in establishing staff development programs for the casework staff;
Participates with Commissioner in preparation of the budget;
Provides overall leadership to the department during the Commissioner's absence;
Assists the Commissioner in the performance of his duties;
Assumes responsibility for managing other programs which may be assigned by the Commissioner.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Comprehensive knowledge of modern principles and practices relating to casework theory and public assistance administration, and the ability to apply this knowledge in the performance of the stated duties; thorough knowledge of Federal, State, and local public assistance laws and programs; good knowledge of techniques of case recording; good knowledge of child development and family dynamics; good supervisory abilities; ability to prepare accurate records and reports; ability to maintain successful working relationships with administrative personnel in other departments and agencies; good judgment, emotional maturity, initiative and tact.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered
college or university with a Master’s degree in Social Work
or related field AND four (4) years of full-time, paid
experience including three (3) years in a supervisory
capacity in social casework with a public or private
social services agency adhering to acceptable standards;
OR:
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered
college or university with a Bachelor's degree in
Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Criminal Justice
or related field AND five (5) years of full-time paid
experience including three (3) years in a supervisory
capacity in social casework with a public or private
social services agency adhering to acceptable standards.
Special Requirements for appointment: Successful completion of a background investigation will be required prior to appointment.
Competitive Classification